The article discusses the ongoing situation with Russian oil tankers that remain adrift due to declining purchases from India. Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that India has halted the import of Russian oil as part of a trade agreement, statistics suggest otherwise; Indian refineries are still buying Russian oil, but at reduced levels. This adjustment is putting pressure on Russia to find new buyers for its oil in Asia, as the competitive landscape is shifting amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to a report from Bloomberg, India has effectively reduced its purchases of discounted Russian oil, which has resulted in heightened strain for Russia as it struggles to place its oil with other Asian nations. This situation has led to the presence of at least a dozen oil tankers traversing the high seas, particularly in the Indian Ocean and near the coasts of Malaysia, China, and Eastern Russia. These tankers are reportedly loaded with approximately 12 million barrels of Russia's Urals crude, which is one of the most significant grades of Russian oil.

Kepler, a global shipping intelligence firm, highlighted the dilemma faced by these tankers as Russia seeks buyers who are increasingly difficult to find. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the associated sanctions have further complicated Russia's export capabilities, leading to an uncertain future for both Russian oil exports and countries like India that rely on such imports for their energy needs.